Private Training Establishments (PTE)

New Zealand has a huge number of Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and they are all very different in what they offer and teach. What links them all is that they are required to be registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and their curriculum and academic standards must meet national standards.

What does this mean for you?

It gives you confidence that the course you are looking at is a valid one, that it is being taught to the same level as other institutions like polytechnics and that the opportunities for you when the course is completed are the same as if you had studied or trained at a larger, better known institution.

PTEs are very diverse in terms of their size, location, culture and their areas of educational expertise. PTEs can range from small, one or two person businesses right through to large operations with large teaching staffs and thousands of students. PTEs are operated by a wide range of companies, trusts and other entities, and most exist with the hope or expectation of operating at a profit.

Vocational programmes to get you started

PTE programmes are most often in specific vocational niches, teaching at certificate and diploma level although an increasing number are now offering programmes at degree and postgraduate levels, including Master’s degrees. PTEs can also be involved in foundation literacy and numeracy provision, Youth Guarantee programmes and apprenticeship training, and many of their courses are eligible for you to receive student loans and allowances.

The vast majority of PTEs are actually located in Auckland (>75%), and many are concentrated solely on the international student market. These are generally distinguished by the focus on English language training and introductory business courses they offer.

Many PTEs are eligible for Government funding and it is these ones that you should focus on when searching for a fit.